# Understanding Cannabis Knowledge Gaps in Emergency Department Patients > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/emergency-department-cannabis-knowledge-gaps/ > **Published:** 2026-03-26T02:16:09-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:38:44-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore emergency department cannabis knowledge gaps to improve patient education and clinical care for users and non-users. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #80High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic Emergency Medicine[Patient Education](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-patient-education-basics/)Cannabis KnowledgeClinical CommunicationSurvey Research Journal The western journal of emergency medicine Study Type Clinical Study Population Human participants Why This Matters Emergency departments increasingly encounter cannabis users, yet clinician understanding of patient knowledge gaps remains limited. This survey identifies specific misconceptions that could inform targeted [patient education](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-patient-education-basics/) and improve clinical encounters. Clinical Summary This prospective survey study at Penn State compared cannabis knowledge between recent users (within 30 days) and non-users presenting to the emergency department between May-August 2024. Using thematic analysis, researchers examined patient understanding of cannabis effects and therapeutic applications. The study focused on knowledge differences regarding short- and long-term effects, with particular attention to conditions like [chronic pain](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pain-management-opioid-alternative/), seizures, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and depression. Limitations include single-center design and potential selection bias from ED population sampling. Dr. Caplan’s Take “While understanding patient perspectives is valuable, what matters more clinically is whether patients can articulate their actual [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) patterns, dosing, and timing relative to their presenting complaint. Knowledge surveys tell us less than honest medication reconciliation.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should focus on creating non-judgmental environments that encourage accurate [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disclosure rather than testing patient knowledge. The key clinical priority remains obtaining precise use patterns—product types, dosing, timing—to inform acute care decisions and drug interactions. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Comparison%20of%20Perspectives%20on%20Cannabis%20Use%20Between%20Emergency%20Department%20Patients...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41380071/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41380071/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Comparison%20of%20Perspectives%20on%20Cannabis%20Use%20Between%20Emergency%20Department%20Patients...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41380071/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41380071/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41380071/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[How should emergency physicians approach cannabis use discussions with patients?](#How_should_emergency_physicians_approach_cannabis_use_discussions_with_patients) - [What knowledge differences about cannabis should clinicians expect between users and non-users?](#What_knowledge_differences_about_cannabis_should_clinicians_expect_between_users_and_non-users) - [Why is cannabis knowledge assessment important in emergency medicine practice?](#Why_is_cannabis_knowledge_assessment_important_in_emergency_medicine_practice) - [How can emergency departments improve cannabis-related patient education?](#How_can_emergency_departments_improve_cannabis-related_patient_education) - [What clinical conditions warrant specific attention to cannabis use in the emergency setting?](#What_clinical_conditions_warrant_specific_attention_to_cannabis_use_in_the_emergency_setting) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### How should emergency physicians approach cannabis use discussions with patients? Emergency physicians should engage in non-judgmental conversations about cannabis use, recognizing that knowledge gaps exist among both users and non-users. This study highlights the need for clinicians to assess patient understanding of cannabis effects and provide evidence-based education tailored to individual knowledge levels. #### What knowledge differences about cannabis should clinicians expect between users and non-users? The study found significant differences in cannabis knowledge between users and non-users presenting to the emergency department. Understanding these knowledge gaps can help clinicians provide more targeted patient education and identify misconceptions that may affect clinical care decisions. #### Why is cannabis knowledge assessment important in emergency medicine practice? With widespread legalization and increasing therapeutic use for conditions like [chronic pain](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pain-management-opioid-alternative/), seizures, and anxiety, cannabis knowledge assessment helps emergency physicians understand potential drug interactions and adverse effects. This information is crucial for developing appropriate treatment plans and safety counseling. #### How can emergency departments improve cannabis-related patient education? Based on the identified knowledge gaps between users and non-users, emergency departments should develop targeted [public health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-mold-contamination-risks-recall-safety/) interventions and educational materials. These resources should address both short-term and long-term cannabis effects to improve [patient safety](https://cedclinic.com/indiana-marijuana-legalization-policy-addressing-lagging-reform/) and informed decision-making. #### What clinical conditions warrant specific attention to cannabis use in the emergency setting? Patients presenting with chronic pain, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, or depression may be using cannabis therapeutically and require careful assessment of use patterns. Emergency physicians should inquire about cannabis use in these populations to avoid potential interactions and optimize treatment approaches. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Comparison of Perspectives on Cannabis Use Between Emergency Department Patients Who Are Users and Non-users.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41380071/”, “about”: “western journal emergency medicine clinical study”, “isPartOf”: “The western journal of emergency medicine”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [UW study: Gap in doctors' knowledge on cannabis | FOX 13 Seattle](https://cedclinic.com/physician-training-cannabis-knowledge-gap-uw-study/) Explore findings on the knowledge gaps among doctors regarding cannabis, highlighting the need for improved education. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/physician-training-cannabis-knowledge-gap-uw-study/) [Study highlights stroke risk linked to recreational drugs, including among young users](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-stroke-risk-young-users-study-highlights/) This study examines stroke risks associated with recreational drug use, providing important context for emergency care. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-stroke-risk-young-users-study-highlights/) [Booze vs. Bud: Canadian study concludes that alcohol poses more threats than cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/comparative-harm-assessments-alcohol-cannabis-study/) A comparative study on the risks of alcohol versus cannabis use, relevant for emergency department patient education. [Discover Insights](https://cedclinic.com/comparative-harm-assessments-alcohol-cannabis-study/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).